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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their current form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"